Semi-OT: McClain Theory clarification

[JungRebel]

By my interpretation, Bonner's AD prediction makes him a genius. But what if his prediction was the cause of his prediction being correct, e.g. what if it scared other potential candidates away? Is he then a genius? Or tinkering bastard?

 

[aTotal360]

I think that's the main reason why Keenum was pissed. Those type rumors are not good for searches.

 

[Faustdog]

Here's how the search went:

1. Cohen was always a top candidate.
2. Our former AD screwed us on the way out the door and leaked info when it in fact was not a done deal yet.
3. Bonner writes his article which actually did scare a few quality candidates away.
4. Keenum was legitimately ticked but handled it terribly.

 

[grimedawg1]

This seems to be the best explanation

I'd be angry if I were Keenum too. Many job searches start with very viable internal candidates. But, that fact doesn't stop the search from proceeding and including outside people to see if somebody of a better fit might present themselves. I imagine Keenum talked with a bunch of folks about Cohen and indicated he would be a very strong candidate. Bonner wrote an article with a definitive statement that Cohen would by the guy and named a specific date and time for an announcement - without giving the one person with absolute knowledge of the situation a chance to comment. Keenum may have been 99% of the way toward the decision of hiring Cohen, but, if he hadn't pulled the trigger on Cohen, Bonner's reporting was speculation that probably hurt any remaining search. It seems to me Bonner wanted to be first to report about Cohen without - you know - doing actual journalism and giving the most significant party involved a chance to comment.

I like the hire. An AD needs to hire good coaches and make sure they have the resources to do their jobs. Successful teams usually lead to having resources. I think Cohen would be just about as good as anybody at evaluating what it takes to be a good coach and evaluating coaching performance. I think he is a smart, passionate guy that loves State.